Treasure Hunter Archetypes for the Savage Worlds RPG

Fifteen years ago I had the pleasure of working on a project called Treasure Hunter, one that was based on the (in my opinion, underrated) d20 Modern RPG. The core supplement was followed by three adventures, all set in Greece, but a variety of factors meant that it never really picked up any momentum. Eventually I moved on to other projects, but the desire to write treasure hunter-themed adventures stuck with me. Some time thereafter I started playing the Savage Worlds RPG, and found that I enjoyed the “Fast, Furious, Fun” nature of that game. For that reason, I've started putting together a supplement, which provides suggestions for writing adventures in that genre, using the newest edition of that game. 

The first part I'd like to share is a set of character archetypes. 

-Nate 

Treasure Hunter Archetypes

Presented here for quick play are several archetypes ready to use in treasure hunting-themed adventures and campaigns; they represent some of the typical roles that characters play while undertaking such endeavors. As such, they can easily be used as pre-generated heroes for running scenarios at a game day or convention.

Retrieval Specialist

Some would describe this character using other names, such as relic hunter, tomb raider or grave robber; whatever the case, she specializes in accessing those places where valuable items are found, acquiring them, and then making an exit—hopefully without triggering any traps or alarms.

Attributes: Agility d8, Smarts d6, Spirit d4, Strength d6, Vigor d6

Skills: Athletics d6, Common Knowledge d4, Driving d4, Fighting d6, Notice d6, Persuasion d4, Shooting d6, Stealth d8, Thievery d8

Pace: 8, Parry: 5, Toughness: 5

Edges: Alertness, Fleet-Footed

Hindrances: Greedy (Major)

Gear: Clothing, cellular phone, lockpicks, collapsible baton (Damage Str+d4), $290.

Heavy

Whether it's serving as a bodyguard or just grunt labor, treasure hunting has plenty of uses for someone who is tough and strong—and good in a fight. This character possesses all of those qualities, and can help patch up people and things after a tussle.

Attributes: Agility d6, Smarts d4, Spirit d6, Strength d8, Vigor d6

Skills: Athletics d8, Boating d6, Common Knowledge d4, Fighting d8, Healing d6, Notice d4, Persuasion d4, Repair d4, Stealth d4

Pace: 6, Parry: 6, Toughness: 6

Edges: Brawny, Brute

Hindrances: Heroic

Gear: Clothing, cellular device, $500.

Pilot/Driver

It often takes a skilled vehicle operator to reach those places where lost treasures can be found, whether it's flying into a remote jungle location, handling a boat on treacherous water, or steering a car or truck during a chase in the streets.

Attributes: Agility d8, Smarts d6, Spirit d6, Strength d6, Vigor d4

Skills: Athletics d6, Boating d6, Common Knowledge d4, Driving d8, Fighting d4, Notice d4, Persuasion d4, Piloting d6, Repair d6, Shooting d4, Stealth d4

Pace: 6, Parry: 4, Toughness: 4

Edges: Ace, Luck

Hindrances: Impulsive

Gear: Clothing, cellular device, $500.

Guide

When it comes to exploring uncharted territory—and thus dealing with the wild animals, natural pitfalls, poisons, diseases, and other such hazards that can be found there—then skills of a wilderness guide are crucial. This character is perhaps more at home in the wilderness than in more civilized settings.

Attributes: Agility d6, Smarts d4, Spirit d6, Strength d6, Vigor d8

Skills: Athletics d4, Boating d4, Common Knowledge d4, Driving d4, Fighting d6, Healing d4, Notice d6, Persuasion d4, Riding d6, Shooting d6, Stealth d4, Survival d6

Pace: 6, Parry: 5, Toughness: 6

Edges: Quick, Woodsman

Hindrances: Tongue-Tied

Gear: Clothing, cellular device, backpack (with flashlight and first aid kit), knife (Damage Str+d4), $395.

Face/Dealer

There's an old saying: “It's not what you know; it's whom you know.” This character takes that idea a step further, believing, “It's not what you can do for yourself; it's what you can convince others to do for you.” An affable personality and a winning smile go a long way to proving that theory.

Attributes: Agility d6, Smarts d6, Spirit d8, Strength d4, Vigor d6

Skills: Academics d6, Athletics d4, Common Knowledge d6, Gambling d6, Language d6, Notice d8, Persuasion d8, Stealth d4

Pace: 6, Parry: 2, Toughness: 5

Edges: Attractive, Charismatic

Hindrances: Overconfident

Gear: Clothing, cellular device, $500.

Scholar

This character understands that knowledge is power, and for that reason is dedicated to acquiring such knowledge. Of course, since said knowledge is helpful in deciphering puzzles and piecing together clues—and, thus, making acquisitions—it makes the scholar a vital part of any group of treasure hunters. To that end, the scholar could be part of a respected academic institution, or might be a maverick whose research methods and conclusions cause concerns among the established “authorities.”

Attributes: Agility d4, Smarts d8, Spirit d6, Strength d6, Vigor d6

Skills: Academics d8, Athletics d4, Common Knowledge d4, Language d8, Notice d6, Occult d6, Persuasion d4, Research d8, Stealth d4

Pace: 6, Parry: 2, Toughness: 5

Edges: Calculating, Scholar

Hindrances: Curious

Gear: Clothing, cellular device, satchel, tablet computer, various books and writing materials, walking stick (Damage Str+d6), $250.

Levels of Magic? In contrast to those presented above, the following two archetypes are appropriate for treasure hunting adventures and campaigns that allow at least a low amount of magic (see below for more details).

Occultist

This character not only studies the arcane beliefs and practices of those who have come before, but has learned how to use them to achieve potent results. For that reason, the occultist seeks discover more ancient relics and lore. While the occultist is thus sometimes subjected to scorn by those who don't believe in such “hocus pocus,” this character knows better. In a worst-case scenario, the occultist could even suffer ostracism or even persecution due to a society's beliefs about studying and practicing magic.

Attributes: Agility d6, Smarts d8, Spirit d6, Strength d4, Vigor d6

Skills: Academics d6, Athletics d4, Common Knowledge d4, Language d6, Notice d4, Occult d8, Persuasion d4, Research d6, Spellcasting d8, Stealth d4

Pace: 6, Parry: 2, Toughness: 5

Edges: Arcane Background (Magic), Power Surge

Hindrances: Driven (Major)

Special Abilities

• Power Points: 10; Powers: Boost/lower Trait, detect/conceal arcana, deflection

Gear: Clothing, cellular device, magical texts and trappings, $500.

Holy Person

Religious beliefs are an important part of everyday life, and this character is a living example of such faith. As such, the holy person could be a leader in a recognized religious community, or might have one's own understanding of spirituality in the world. Whatever the case, revering some kind of philosophy or higher power is very important.

Attributes: Agility d4, Smarts d6, Spirit d8, Strength d6, Vigor d6

Skills: Academics d6, Athletics d4, Common Knowledge d6, Faith d8, Healing d6, Notice d6, Persuasion d8, Stealth d4

Pace: 6, Parry: 2, Toughness: 5

Edges: Arcane Background (Miracles), Connections

Hindrances: Code of Honor

Special Abilities

• Power Points: 10; Powers: Boost/lower Trait, deflection, protection

Gear: Clothing, holy symbol and texts, cellular device, $500.